What Are Your Favorite (or Least Favorite) Tsw Termini And Approaches?

There's something really special about arriving in a major transportation hub by train. Once a year as a kid, I'd take the Amtrak City of New Orleans from Chicago to Memphis and back again, and then every break all through grad school, I'd routinely take the Lincoln Service from St. Louis to Chicago and back. Every time I arrive at Chicago Union Station, no matter how many times I've done it, I love the feeling of going from forest-y suburbs into the busy neighborhoods of Chicago alongside Metra trains either on CN or BNSF tracks depending on route, running alongside the CTA Orange Line tracks and Stevenson Expressway, then curving over the Chicago River with an amazing view of the Chicago skyline before descending into the Amtrak and Metra yards and into the underground tunnels of Union Station, bell echoing off everything (RIP steel bells) as the conductor welcomes us to Chicago. I've always wanted a Chicago route in TSW so I could experience that in game.

I hadn't driven WCMLS in a while, and I've never driven it at night so this week I did a night service for the 807 to London and arriving into Euston at night really felt special. It truly feels like you're entering a major city and a major terminal at that city. It got me thinking about which terminus stations in TSW really feel special to arrive at. There are a lot of route endpoints of TSW routes that to me don't feel like major termini, or at least don't feel special arriving to them. I know for many stations in the UK and Germany where there are large interconnected national rail networks, that's simply because while some trains do terminate at those stations, many trains also continue on. Stations like Crewe, Preston, Wolverhampton, Stamford, San Bernadino Downtown, Faversham, etc, while bigger than average don't give me any special feeling arriving into them. For the most part, you drive at line speed and pull into them like a normal station. You don't even really get a more built up city area or breathtaking scenery with them except kinda for Preston.

These are just my opinions of course but I wanted to see what other people think? What are your favorite terminus stations to arrive at? What makes them feel special for you? What termini would you like to see in TSW?

Some more of my in-game faves are:

Boston South Station:
I think Boston has the best approach of all the US routes, especially in the Framingham Worcester routes. You get several stations in built up Boston suburbs before taking the tunnel to Back Bay. You stop at Back Bay, then you hit a curve and see downtown Boston and this huge station in front of you with MBTA and Amtrak trains constantly moving in and out. It's not a tediously long approach like the ones to LA Union or NY Penn either. I've yet to do this one at night but I plan to soon.

Hoboken Terminal:
Sure Penn and GCT are the biggest and busiest in the NY Metro area, but something about traveling for miles underground doesn't hit as much. The approach to Hoboken is beautiful with great views of the Hudson, Hackensack, and Passaic rivers, the skylines of Jersey City and NYC, and you travel through Newark as a bonus. The approach is a little tedious though.

London Euston:
I know when people outside the UK think of London rail stations they think King's Cross or Paddington or Waterloo, not Euston. But I love coming into Euston on the WCML. Unlike St. Pancras or even Paddington, you really get a feel of coming through the built up areas of London once you reach Watford Junction. Having a full TT with LNWR, LU/LO, and AVW really makes it feel busy. That run I mentioned earlier had me overtaking both a 710 and a 350 approaching Euston. And then the station itself feels like arriving at an airport. I love that you can go into the concourse.

Glasgow Central:
Natural light and crossing the River Clyde. That is all.

Frankfurt Hbf:
Gotta give the German routes a little love. I'll be honest the German termini feel a little same-y for me and the optimization of their network mean there's not a lot of complicated navigation before arriving at most of them, but I love coming through the final curve and seeing Frankfurt Hbf and its yards looming ahead. The S bahn route also provides a pretty different feel coming in off the S-bahn network into the underground tracks versus the long distance regionals and intercity lines from Fulda.

What are y'all's favorite termini or station approaches and why? Or what are your least favorite? Which ones do you want to see?

 

One of my Favourite Stations in TSW has got to be Preston on the BR blue routes.

It connects with a wide range of routes, it has a large amount of traffic passing through it and it has that general vibe of busy interchange. It is a very well built station.

my least favourite terminus in TSW has to be London Euston. I just don’t like how you can’t explore the station in full, I don’t like the amount of camera bugs and lighting issues that occur there. It’s definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed.

 

Least favourite - Any and all of the US commuter terminals. The approach is just so slow and from so far out as to be utterly tedious. I know DTG can’t change the nature of the prototype but I often find myself keeping going at 15 or 20 MPH just to get in.

Favourite - well Penzance is iconic as you’re running into the furthest west station in England (not sure of Mallaig in Scotland is further west for the UK as a whole). Euston, as it reminds me of the several years spent commuting from Northampton in the early 80’s.

 

London Euston is a good shout, but I also really enjoy coming in to Brighton on London Commuter. The grand size of the building is quite impressive and it gets lost on East Coastway a little bit; although Seaford is a fun little terminus station that oozes seaside theme.

I also enjoy Birmingham New Street, particularly B2C, which is very busy and filled with a lot of detail.

Least favourite terminus is probably Watford Junction on the Lioness Line on WCMLS. That whole semi-circle from Bushey to the end of the line seems so tacked on (in real life, too) and it drops to 15 way too soon on entry in my opinion.

 

Great topic, I thought it was just me, but there is a feeling of satisfaction of terminating at the buffer stops, job complete and I definitely agree about London Euston, maybe i'm a bit biased as my journeys to London naturally are to Euston, it's not a station of great beauty, rebuilt in the functional style of the 1960s, but it's very realistically done in the game and although it can hammer you frame rate wise, passing through Wembley - seeing the yard, the stadium and the Mcvitie factory, passing the Overground and Bakerloo services, seeing the detail of the Alexandra estate buildings (I used to wonder whether it was the side of a sports stadium - some might call it ugly, but it's definitely interesting), the different levels of line at Primrose Hill, the fact that they made the effort to put in the Camden Roundhouse (once a turntable, now a music venue) and the three tower blocks that preside over Euston itself (in Train Sim Classic we got some generic tower blocks, these look real) - I do also love the approach into Glasgow Central, Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington (just a shame we can't yet complete the journey to Carlisle, to Crewe (come on Alan Thomson Simulation!) and further than Reading.

 

I think my favourite is Mainz on Linke Rheinstrecke, because you pass the yards with historic trains parked before you enter the station.

Although I guess bigger Blackpool station (can't remember if it's north or south) fits the same requirement. And one of the termini of Midland Main Line (can't remember which) also has a yard with various trains (including older rolling stock) parked in the yards before you approach the station.

 

Least favourite is grand Central terminal because of that 10mph slow stretch. And favourite is blackpool North because on the approach when the yard is full of trains and locos sounds and looks awsome.

 

Still better than the 5mph speed limit at Atlantic Terminal.

 

Very nicely written.

 

As much as West Cornwall Local has its issues, thought they did a decent job with the approach into Penzance.

 

I like the approach to Liverpool Lime Street although it should be darker in game. That cutting is something else. The station itself is very impressive too. I know it well in real life so it’s nice to see it in a bit more of a vintage setting than I’ve known it. I’ve seen all the changes from the late 1970s up to the present. The difference going back to the 1950s is huge.

 

In reality my favourite would be Liverpool Lime Street, with the cuttings. Arriving in those after a long journey from Glasgow never ceases to be an "I've arrived" moment.

In-game, no, because SOS isn't my style so I don't play it.

Edinburgh Waverley is up there, flanked by the Princes St. Gardens and the Castle, and crowned by the National Gallery building.

Frankfurt Hbf is in there for it's sheer complexity although I have a soft spot for Bremen and Oldenburg with the bridges on the way in. I quite like Boston - although not a huge fan of any other US one due to how slow they are.

 

Easily Glasgow Central since the 380 timetable. Not only the approach, crossing the Clyde and pulling into the station but the sheer volume of traffic in and out of the station.

 

It's old but gold... London Victoria. One of the only terminals with decent busy sounding and hectic terminal ambient sounds. Also highly complex with the Eastern & Central sections. Sadly the route is completely dated now and I haven't visited it in about a year.

 

Not exactly a terminus but the approach to bushey on the lioness line is incredible. As for termini i'd have to go with either Glasgow central, Preston, or New street (specifically from the London end). I have to mention departing Lancaster as well heading north, nothing beats crossing the river Lune after departing in an 86 or 87, and going into run up once you clear that 15mph section. Crossing that bridge at speed is exhileraring

 

My least favourite is Long Brach on the LIRR route. So tedious at 5mph.

I like the large British ones, like Euston. Always so busy and you do slow down but typically much closer to the station.

I’m going to add Edinburgh, you come through the tunnel and then boom the whole station and its ladder tracks are there. Plus I visited there in real life a few years back, loved it.

 

Leicester, but as a Leicester lad I am biased lol.


But I think for me it's Blackpool North, seeing Blackpool Tower on the horizon, standing tall. Especially at night when it's lit up is fantastic, seeing trains in the various platforms waiting their next service and the carriage sidings full of carriages, fantastic.

 

• brighton- oldest seaside station in the uk, as well as being the nearest terminus station to where i live. it’s a good speed and the amount of track joint sounds is wonderful
• euston, especially at night- it looks really good when you reach the last short downhill stretch and you can see the lights of the station divided into two by the bridge
• hoboken- again, one that i prefer to do at night because it allows you to get straight out of the train and go and look at the nyc skyline for as long as you want. downtown has been modelled really well but unfortunately the rest of the city looks very sparse, midtown is a shadow of what it is irl. wtc 1 could also look a bit better as an asset, its recognisable but has always seemed a bit off

 

Always had a soft spot for Saltburn personally!

 

Saltburn, when you have to switch ends with the 31, and then a 101 arrives. Why is TVL still just so good?

 

Boston South has always been a fave; you can come in pretty fast up to Back Bay, and theres always plenty of activity and possible signal checks. Hoboken is a slower ride but very well done, and as mentioned a great view. For me there is always something special about Blackpool North as well.

For least favorite I can think about Duisburg, Bochum, and Hagen being so much less than they should be, but perhaps it's not fair to judge such old routes by newer standards. I'd have to say that Eastbourne as compared to Seaford and Brighton has always seemed much less fun to arrive at for me. Of course, it also not the actual terminus for many of the services that end there, which doesn't help matters.

 

Hoboken is a good shout. But the approach and departure out of GCT on NEC- Stamford, with two levels, the biggest station and busiest 4 track operation out of any other route in game. Watching the amount of trains in and out during rush-hour is priceless . I know some bring up the slow speed approach, but that's what the locomotive engineers, conductors, and passengers deal with everyday IRL

 

Favorites: Victoria, Dresden, Paddington, Edinburgh Waverly
Least Favorites: NY Penn, Leeds, Liverpool, Aachen

 

Don’t know if anyone’s said it yet but Manchester Airport on Manchester Airport Commuter, love the fast pace you can get approaching the station and the amount of trains there too. Grand Central on NY - Stamford is also a joy to drive. Stratford on the Mildmay Line is also cool to see with all the TFW and Underground services on the other platforms using the 710. Not sure what the other commuter service represented is but still cool you can see.

 

Good shout re Stratford, it could have been incredibly quiet, but Johannes made a great effort, Greater Anglia trains, Elizabeth Line trains, even the DLR, on top of a plethora of freight, a lot going on, all of the time.

 

Most favourite: Stuttgart Hbf
Stuttgart Hbf is depicted beautifully ingame, and slowly approaching from Kornwestheim on this winding downward slope lets you enjoy the scenery very well. Also, the station is very busy and there's always something going on in the yard nearby, so an approach never feels quite the same as the last one
I'd love to be able to arrive at the station from the Cannstatt direction someday too, although it's less spectacular than the northern approach.

2nd favourite: Frankfurt Hbf
For German termini, this is just the pinnacle of complexity. No matter from where you arrive, all the yards and sidings you pass and all the branches coming together turn this into a labyrinth. Not to mention that the station itself is huge and spectacular, and the skyscraper silhouettes in the background are unique for Germany

Honourable mentions: Oldenburg Hbf, Bad Vilbel, Innsbruck Hbf


Don't have any particular "least" favourite termini, but there are many which are rather boring, uninteresting or random.
München comes to mind (which is a shame, with a bit more realism it could very well go in the top 5), or Aschaffenburg (on both its routes) or Chemnitz.

 

I like the approach into Brighton from ECW, crossing the Viaduct over the city and then moving in past all of the other services on the new timetable!

 

Favourite for me might not be the biggest station in the game, but there is something magical about approaching Blackpool North and the sight of Blackpool Tower. Takes me back to much happier times as a kid, about to start another week's holiday in the summer in a place I'll always see as my second home.

Will be arriving there again for real in a couple of weeks time - albeit not in a Pacer !! - and the wife already knows I'll instantly be like a big kid when the train pulls in.

 

Frankfurt Hbf is so big and fun to drive into!

St Pancras Int'l is a personal favourite because the amount I've times I've travelled on SEHS. The different ramps and inclines are fun along with the modern looking station.

Victoria is a fun one though the route is outdated.

Barking Riverside is a beautiful modern station to pull onto on the Suffragette Line.

Lindau is a really cool station to pull Into with the crossing over the water onto the Island.

Salzburg is really nice aside from the lack of traffic.

Some other ones are cool but those are my top picks.

 

After Saltburn I’m going to have to say Crewe (all three versions, but the JT one the most) because it was my go-to when I’d managed to save up for my summer Runabout ticket as a kid.

Ha ha, the other day I still had the running watch on after going out for a jog, noticed my heart rate pick up when I was arriving there from Arpley in a couple of 86s - I guess it’s still a big deal virtually arriving there Haven’t tried the watch with run-down 2019 Crewe to see if it has the same effect, might have to give that a go later. Wonder if there’s anywhere else… hmmm…. sounds like a new project is on the cards

 

This is a great shout. I ‘finished’ ECW a number of years ago on XBOX - did all the tutorials, scenarios, timetabled routes and journey - after which I mothballed it. Thought I’d revisit the route post-remaster for old times sake and really enjoyed it. A slow crawl across the viaduct as you approach Brighton station is always a highlight for me, and I think it will always be one of my favourite routes.

 

Despite the route showing it's age there is something I love about it! Brighton was a local station for me too!

Love the route and especially the 313 journeys!

 

for my least favourite it’s undoubtedly atlantic terminal. no explanation needed

 

It's one of the rare cases I decide to ignore the speed limit.

 

I thought you couldn't because of the safety systems? or maybe that's a bit higher

 

Not on LIRR1, you don't have to use the safety systems there.

I don't own LIRR2, because of the safety sytems enforcement.

 

ah ok

 

Gotta say Ryde Pier Head is quite an unique approach too. I quite like it.

 

My most favorite is the arrival at Meissen with the S1 from Dresden I think. The view is (one of) the best in game.

 

yes! I forgot about that one

 

Most likely because of most people do not want to drive the dosto

 

great shout, i find the rest of the drive a bit bland unfortunately. and as lexie says, the dostos are a no go

 

I prefer to drive from Meissen to Dresden as you can choose the BR 143, which is bit more exciting then the dostos. True, the rest of the route is bit bland, but there are some more nice spots, like Dresden Neustadt and the bridge just before Dresden HBf.

 

They really need to update the sounds on those dostos. It's just horrible. Everything about it. It turns me off certain routes even though i love said routes.

 

True, I almost never drive them, they are so boring. The only thing what can make up a route with dostos is a good and nice loco, so you can at least drive one way without using the dostos.

 

Some other mentions.
Frankfurt (either route) is great when all the layers are on.
Piccadilly on MAC is nice, as you begin slowing down you'll see a fair bit of traffic.

And while I don't play it much because a 25mph route is too slow for my liking, I enjoy the final stretch arriving into the beautiful Minehead station.

 

Dresden I think (a half-terminus). So much going on and the layout and approach is cool. Best on Dresden - Leipzig of course.

I actually quite like the atmosphere at Atlantic Terminal, I do like an underground station, although that speed limit is a massive pain.

Luzern the biggest missed potential for me, plus Munich, Chur and to some extent Lindau. Don't have Manchester Airport commuter yet, and not getting the best out of Piccadilly on Glossop.

For business and variety Frankfurt*, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Glasgow C, Blackpool N, Victoria, St Pancras and Brighton (ECW remaster).

Meissen, Ryde Pier Head and Blackpool South all very characterful.

* Fulda route only, Probably even better on Frankfurt S-Bahn but

 

not even that they are boring for me, I quite like the idea but the sounds are just detrimentally bad.